MLB Rumors

Rangers pitcher Matt Harrison is scheduled to throw from 60 feet this week before extending his distance next week, Fox Sports Southwest reports.

Harrison is expected to throw off flat ground for at least another four weeks before he begins throwing off a mound. He has been sidelined since April 6 with a back injury and is hopeful of returning at some point in mid-August.

Astros manager Bo Porter said Tuesday reliever Edgar Gonzalez (shoulder) will begin his minor-league rehab assignment Friday with the Gulf Coast League affiliate, according to the team's color analyst. Barring any setbacks, he will be moved to Double-A Corpus Christi for his second appearance.

The Rockies officially announced that Roy Oswalt will start Thursday against the Nationals, according to the Denver Post.

Oswalt, who signed with the Rockies in May, made five starts at Double-A Tulsa, posting a 2.16 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 33 1/3 innings of work. This will be his first start since Sept. 9 for the Rangers. 

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Tuesday that Jason Hammel (illness) and Miguel Gonzalez (paternity leave) will likely start Friday and Saturday, MLB.com reports. The order is not set in stone, but Gonzalez is currently scheduled for Saturday's game at Toronto. 

Hammel has been pushed back due to a stomach illness. He was originally expected to pitch Monday against Detroit and has already been pushed back twice. Gonzalez left the team late Monday night to go on paternity leave. 

Rangers starter Colby Lewis is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday, according to Fox Sports Southwest.

Lewis threw off a mound Monday for the first time since he was shut down with soreness in the back of his right elbow. The 33-year-old would like to throw a live batting practice before he restarts his minor-league rehab assignment.

The Mariners have officially activated first baseman Justin Smoak from the 15-day disabled list prior to Tuesday's game against the Angels. Smoak, who had been on the disabled list since May 30 with a strained oblique, hit .240/.350/.344 with three homers and eight RBI in 46 games.

The Mariners have optioned infielder Alex Liddi to Triple-A Tacoma in order to clear space for first baseman Justin Smoak on the active roster. Liddi had just one hit in 17 at-bats in the majors.

Blue Jays starter J.A. Happ threw his first side session Tuesday since being struck by a comebacker and suffering a knee sprain, Sportsnet.ca reports. 

Happ took another step in a positive direction. He originally suffered a nasty head injury in his last start May 7 against Tampa Bay but is having more trouble with a knee injury as a result of the subsequent fall. 

The Rangers recalled reliever Joe Ortiz from Triple-A Round Rock Tuesday. Ortiz, who appeared in just four games in the minors, owns a 5.13 ERA in 26 1/3 innings of relief in the majors. 

Braves outfielder Jordan Schafer drove in two runs with a bases-loaded single during a three-run eighth inning in the first game a doubleheader against the Mets Tuesday. Schafer finished 1 for 3 with one walk and two strikeouts.

Schafer came into play Tuesday batting .231 (3 for 13) with two RBI and five strikeouts in 12 June games (one start).